a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush »
It is preferable to have a small but certain advantage than a mere potential of a greater one.
|
a cat may look at a king »
Even a purported inferior has certain abilities, even in the presence of a purported superior
|
a closed mouth gathers no feet »
One who does not speak can be certain he won't say anything embarrassing.
|
a cut below »
Inferior to; of a lower quality than.
|
a day late and a dollar short »
Action that was taken too late and too feeble to be of any use.
|
a different ballpark »
Something totally unrelated or of a vastly different scale or scope.
|
a few sandwiches short of a picnic »
Exhibiting disquiet or unsoundness of mind; not sane; mad.
|
a life of its own »
An independent existence with some characteristics of life.
|
a rising tide lifts all boats »
Benefits provided to a few may lead to conditions that are beneficial to all.
|
accident of birth »
Reference to the fact that various benefits or detriments to the life of a person arise from the circumstances into which that person was born, these being entirely beyond his control.
|
ace of spades »
The playing card belonging to the spades suit and featuring one pip.
|
act out »
To express one's feelings through disruptive actions.
|
actions speak louder than words »
It is more effective to act directly than to speak of action.
|
add up to »
To have a particular effect.
|
Adds up »
To enhance. " Law of attraction adds up to the success in life."
|
after all »
In the end; anyway; referring to something that was believed to be the case, but has now been shown not to be.
|
against the grain »
Contrary to what is expected; especially, of behavior different from what society expects.
|
all nations »
A composition of all the different spirits sold in a dram-shop, collected in a vessel into which the drainings of the bottles and quartern pots are emptied.
|
all over grumble »
Inferior.
|
all over the map »
Widely scattered or distributed; numerous and differing greatly.
|
all right, my lover »
An informal affectionate greeting.
|
all roads lead to Rome »
different paths can take one to the same goal
|
all things being equal »
Without considering or being affected by external factors.
|
all walks of life »
All professions, lifestyles or social classes.
|
all-over oneself »
Feeling self-satisfied.
|
amateur hour »
A situation or activity in which the participants show a lack of skill, sound judgment, or professionalism.
|
an offer one can't refuse »
An offer from one side in any transaction with terms so attractive that the other side is almost guaranteed to accept.
|
an offer one can't refuse »
An offer from one side in any transaction with the results of failing to accept so unattractive that the other side is almost guaranteed to accept.
|
apple does not fall far from the tree »
A child grows up to be very similar to its parents, both in behavior and in physical characteristics.1842, E. A. Freidlaender (translator), Frederika Bremer (author), The Neighbours, ch. 10:It is impossible to look at Madam Rhen, without at once making the conclusion that she is pleasantness, hospitality, and loquacity itself; nor can one look upon her daughter Renetta without thinking, "the apple does not fall far from the tree!"1978, Dr. Isador Rosenfeld, "Doctor Asks Patient
|
apple of somebody's eye »
A favourite, a particular preference, or a loved one; the object of somebody's affections.
|
apron string hold »
An estate held by a man during his wife's life.
|
as for »
with reference to
|
as well »
To the same effect.
|
ask around »
To enquire about something to different people.
|
ask round »
To enquire about something to different people.
|
asphalt jungle »
A city or urban area, where the landscape is covered by pavement and the environment is alienating and unsafe.
|
at death's door »
About to die; in a life-threatening state of health.
|
at heart »
In spirit; according to one's beliefs, views or feelings; deep down, really, fundamentally.
|
at the mercy of »
In the power of; defenceless/defenseless against.
|
at will »
At one's preference; as one sees fit.
|
autem mort »
A married woman; also a female beggar with several children hired or borrowed to excite charity.
|
baby blues »
Period and feeling of depressiveness after giving birth; a less severe form of postnatal depression.
|
back up »
For the non-striker to take a few steps down the pitch, in preparation to taking a run, just as the bowler bowls the ball.
|
backfoot »
To put on the defensive; to put off balance.
|
backseat driver »
By extension, anybody offering unsolicited or unwelcome advice.
|
bacon fed »
Fat, greasy.
|
bad blood »
A serious feud or grudge.
|
bad blood »
Feelings of hostility or ill will.
|
bad penny »
A counterfeit or damaged penny.
|
bad taste in one's mouth »
A feeling of disappointment and frustration.
|
bad taste in one's mouth »
A feeling of guilt, responsibility, or embarrassment as to cause nausea.
|
bad taste in one's mouth »
A feeling something is morally despicable as to cause nausea.
|
bang for the buck »
Efficiency; cost-effectiveness; value.
|
bang out »
To do something quickly, in a slipshod, or unprofessional manner.
|
bang up cove »
A dashing fellow who spends his money freely.
|
banyan day »
In British naval tradition, this originally referred to a day of the week when galley kitchens served no meat on board ship.
|
banyan day »
In modern usage it refers to a picnic or cookout for the ship's crew.
|
bar star »
A female who frequents bars or lounges, usually late at night.
|
barrel »
The hollow basal part of a feather.
|
barrel »
The quantity which constitutes a full barrel. This varies for different articles and also in different places for the same article, being regulated by custom or by law. A barrel of wine is 31 1/2 gallons; a barrel of flour is 196 pounds; of beer 31 gallons; of ale 32 gallons; of crude oil 42 gallons.
|
basket case »
One made powerless or ineffective, as by nerves, panic or stress.
|
bat a thousand »
To achieve perfection.
|
batten down »
To close or make watertight, referring to hatches and cargo.
|
be in for »
To be able to expect or anticipate; to be about to suffer, generally said of something unpleasant.
|
bear on »
To influence, have an effect on.
|
beat feet »
To flee.
|
beat feet »
To run.
|
beat up »
To feel badly guilty and accuse oneself over something. Usually followed by over.
|
beauty is in the eye of the beholder »
Individuals have different inclinations on what is beautiful. Individuals have different beauty standards.
|
beddable »
[...] feminine, great body great legs great taste, trained and beddable, Jesus, how beddable.
|
beefed out »
Having been improved greatly or upgraded; beefed up.
|
beefed out »
Muscular, often in an exaggerated way.
|
beg to differ »
To differ strongly in opinion or interpretation.
|
bells and whistles »
Extra features added for show rather than function; fancy additions or features.
|
best of the bunch »
The best or most preferred person or item within a group.
|
better safe than sorry »
It is preferable to be cautious in one's choices and actions than to suffer afterwards.
|
big picture »
The main film in a double feature.
|
big wheel »
Ferris wheel.
|
bill of goods »
A collection of items purchased or offered for sale.
|
birds of a feather »
C1710, Jonathan Swift, "A Conference," lines 11-12.
|
birds of a feather »
People having similar characters, backgrounds, interests, or beliefs.
|
birds of a feather flock together »
People of similar character, background, or taste tend to congregate or associate with one another.
|
birds of the feather flock together »
People who are alike physically tend to congregate and socialize together, despite government efforts at forced integration.
|
bite one's tongue »
An admonishment to someone who has said something unfeeling or harsh.
|
bite the hand that feeds you »
To cause harm to a benefactor.
|
black-on-black »
A reference to interactions between black people .
|
blow chunks »
To suffer from explosive diarrhea.
|
blow one's chances »
To forfeit opportunities to achieve some goal.
|
blow someone out of the water »
To trounce; to defeat someone thoroughly, at a game or in battle.
|
blow the whistle »
To make a piercing sound which signals a referee's action or the end of a game.
|
bog standard »
Especially plain, ordinary, or unremarkable; having no special, excess or unusual features; plain vanilla.
|
boot camp »
A short, intensive, quasi-military program generally aimed at young offenders as an alternative to a jail term.
|
born in a barn »
Of humble birth, especially when referring to Jesus Christ.
|
bought the farm »
Simple past tense and past participle of buy the farm: died; often refers to death in battle.
|
branch out »
To attempt something new or different, but related.
|
break into »
To try to start in a profession or business.
|
break someone's heart »
To cause a person to feel grief or sadness.
|
breathe easy »
To relax or feel secure about something.
|
bridge »
A construction or natural feature that spans a divide.
|
bridge »
A statement, such as an offer, that signals a possibility of accord.
|
bridge »
A valence bond, atom or chain of atoms that connects two different parts of a molecule; the atoms so connected being bridgeheads.
|
bridge »
Any of several electrical devices that measure characteristics such as impedance and inductance by balancing different parts of a circuit.
|
bright-eyed and bushy-tailed »
Alert and in an eager, frisky, or playful mood; full of life.
|
bring back »
To fetch something.
|
bring down »
To make someone feel bad emotionally.
|
bring owls to Athens »
Forgive me, then, for bringing owls to Athens as a thanks-offering. — Goethe, in a letter to Wilhelm von Humboldt.
|
broken vessel »
A person who is destroyed or forgotten, or who feels flawed or broken.
|
broken-hearted »
Alternative spelling of brokenhearted. Feeling depressed, despondent, or hopeless, especially over losing a love.
|
bros before hoes »
(US, informal) A man should prioritize his male friends over his girlfriend or wife.
|
browned off »
Annoyed, upset, angry, bored, fed up, disgusted.
|
buckle up »
To fasten one's seat belt or safety belt.
|
bundle of nerves »
A person with an especially nervous, excitable, or fearful disposition.
|
burn one's fingers »
To harm oneself; to suffer consequences of one's actions.
|
bush league »
A low-ranking or inferior level among groups, professions, organizations, etc.
|
bush league »
A professional sports association at the lower levels of minor league organization.
|
butterfly upon a wheel »
An innocent person crushed by life's adversities.
|
by a long shot »
By a wide margin; indicates a very big difference or disparity.
|
by and large »
Mostly, generally; with few exceptions.
|
by one's own hand »
As a result of one's own actions, especially with reference to death by suicide.
|
by the way »
[...] I had counted on a life-lease of the profits, whereas I only received those of a few short years. But this is by the way.
|
by trade »
As a profession; professionally.
|
call out »
To arrange for a professional to call at your home for some purpose.
|
cancel out »
To neutralize the effect of something.
|
carry a torch for »
[2] To harbor feelings of love despite not being in a relationship; generally unrequited or after a relationship has ended, and sometimes implying secret feelings. There is the implication of keeping hope alive.
|
cat and dog life »
Unhappy married life.
|
cat that ate the canary »
A person whose appearance and behavior suggest guilt mixed with other qualities, such as satisfaction or feigned nonchalance.
|
cat's pyjamas »
A highly sought-after and fancy example of something, usually referring to inanimate objects.
|
catch a cold »
To become infected with cold.
|
catch fire »
Become engulfed with flames.
|
center field »
The defensive position in the outfield in the middle, typically played by a player that can run fast.
|
change of life »
Menopause.
|
change one's mind »
To convince someone to make a decision differing from what a previous one.
|
change one's mind »
To decide differently than one had decided before.
|
change one's tune »
To reconsider; rethink; to reach a different conclusion.
|
chat up »
In a friendly, open, or casual manner, sometimes also in a charming or affected manner, usually to curry favor, and sometimes flirtatiously with the intention of establishing a romantic or sexual encounter or relationship with that person.
|
cheat sheet »
Any summary or quick reference used as a shortcut or reminder, a crib sheet.
|
chicken feed »
A very small or insignificant quantity, especially of money.
|
chicken feed »
Food given to poultry.
|
chicken out »
To shy away from a daring task; to decline, refuse, or avoid something due to fear or uncertainty.
|
chip on one's shoulder »
A habitually combative attitude, usually because of a harboured grievance, sense of inferiority, or having something to prove.
|
chip on one's shoulder »
A tendency to take offence quickly.
|
circle the wagons »
To prepare to defend against an attack.
|
cite chapter and verse »
To provide specific references from an authoritative book, as the Bible or a book of statutes or rules, to support a statement.
|
city slicker »
One accustomed to a city or urban lifestyle or unsuited to life in the country.
|
clean someone's clock »
To defeat decisively, in a physical fight or other competition or negotiation.
|
climb the walls »
To behave in a distressed or frantic manner; to feel very agitated.
|
close enough for government work »
It is not worth investing additional time on perfecting this thing.
|
close to home »
Affecting people close to, or within, ones family circle.
|
clout list »
A usually secret list containing the names of people who are to be given special access, benefits, or influence in a political or social situation, especially as a result of having personal, professional, or financial relationships with those in authority.
|
cock-and-bull story »
A far-fetched and fanciful story or tale of highly dubious validity.
|
Cold hands, warm heart; Dirty feet, no sweetheart! »
A few old timer's "fun" way to compliment a lady & to find out if she could be courted.
|
cold turkey »
The physiological effects of such a withdrawal.
|
colt over the fence »
An illegitimate child.
|
come a cropper »
To suffer some misfortune; to fail.
|
come clean »
To confess; admit.
|
come out of the closet »
To tell others about homosexuality, bisexuality or any minority or disapproved-of belief, preference, etc., where previously this had been kept secret.
|
come to »
To befall; to affect; to happen to; to come upon.
|
come to a head »
To suddenly make mature or perfected that which was inchoate or imperfectly formed.
|
come up »
To begin to feel the effects of a recreational drug.
|
concrete jungle »
An urban or other populated area containing a high density of buildings constructed of concrete or similar materials, especially one which lacks greenery and which seems unattractive, harsh, or unsafe.
|
controlled substance »
Except for very limited professional testing purposes.
|
cooking with gas »
Now doing something in an effective way.
|
cop a feel »
To stealthily fondle someone in a sexual manner.
|
cop-out »
An excuse made in order to avoid performing a task or duty; a reason offered when someone cops out.
|
coug it »
To suddenly lose a contest through reversal of fortune, mistakes, or bad judgment. The phrase is analogous to "blow it", or "snatch defeat from the jaws of victory".
|
crab mentality »
A way of thinking best described by the phrase "if I can't have it, neither can you." The metaphor refers to a pot of crabs in which one tries to escape over the side, but is relentlessly pulled down by the others in the pot.
|
crack up »
To become insane; to suffer a mental breakdown.
|
creature feature »
A horror film in which one or more monsters plays a prominent role.
|
cry out »
To shout in a loud voice, due to pain, or fear, or unhappiness.
|
cup of joe »
A cup of coffee.
|
cut it »
To suffice; to be effective or successful.
|
cut the mustard »
To suffice; to be good or effective enough.
|
cutting edge »
The sharp edge of the blade of a knife.
|
days »
Life.
|
dead »
Figuratively, not alive; lacking life.
|
dead shot »
Perfect shooter
|
deafening silence »
A silence, or a lack of any response, that signifies disapproval or lack of any enthusiasm.
|
deer in the headlights »
A mental state of high arousal caused by anxiety fear, panic, surpriseand/or confusion, or substance abuse. The behavioral signs are like a deer subjected to a car's headlights, such as widely opened eyes and a lack of motor reactions.
|
deliver the message to Garcia »
...grasp the demands and exactions of business life. He learns that the main thing to do is to "deliver the message to Garcia"....
|
deliver the message to Garcia »
What we need is people who get the job done, no matter how. We don't want pickers who'll only learn if we use their preferred learning method. Have you read "A Message to Garcia" ? That's what we need today - young people who can deliver the message to Garcia.
|
different as chalk and cheese »
Two things which are superficially alike but very different in substance.
|
diplomatic flu »
An illness feigned by one or more government officials or other public figures as an excuse for an absence really based on political reasons.
|
dirty money »
Money that is illegally gained, illegally transferred or illegally utilized. Especially money gained through forgery, bribery, or thievery.
|
do a number on »
To damage; to treat harshly; to produce ill effects.
|
do a slow burn »
To experience a gradually increasing feeling of anger or frustration.
|
do someone proud »
To cause someone to feel pride, admiration, or satisfaction.
|
dog and pony show »
Originally, a small, traveling circus featuring animals as entertainment.
|
dog's life »
A life of indolence where the individual may do as he or she pleases, just like a pampered dog.
|
dog's life »
A miserable, unhappy existence.
|
dogs »
Feet.
|
double booked »
Of a single resource, reserved for two different users at the same time.
|
double talk »
Speaking in a mixture of real English and English-sounding gibberish, for humorous effect.
|
double-tongued »
Saying one thing to one person and something different to another; double talking; deceitful in speech.
|
drag one's feet »
To procrastinate, put off; to dawdle, avoid, or make progress slowly and reluctantly.
|
drive-by media »
Media professionals who "spray" a bunch of repetitive misstatements, mistaken and misinterpreted news reports to cause excitement and confusion. They then figuratively "drive off" leaving the cleanup of their mess and hysteria to others, to correct and properly explain and interpret.
|
drop back »
Of a quarterback or other player in the backfield, to take a number of steps back from the line of scrimmage immediately after the snap or hike of the ball, to avoid defenders.
|
drop the writ »
To call a federal or provincial election.
|
druther »
Would rather; would prefer to.
|
druthers »
Wishes, preferences, or ways.
|
e pluribus unum »
A national motto of the United States of America, meaning "From many, one", or "out of many, one", referring to the integration of 13 independent colonies into one country, and that has taken an additional meaning, giving the pluralistic nature of American society from immigration.
|
easy street »
A carefree situation or lifestyle, especially as resulting from possession of wealth.
|
eat one's heart out »
To feel overwhelming sorrow, jealousy or longing, to grieve.
|
end of the world »
End of habitability for life on Earth.
|
enough is as good as a feast »
Just the right amount is as good as more than enough: there is no value in excess.
|
even money »
A bet which offers odds of 1 to 1.
|
every Jack has his Jill »
everybody will find someone to have a romantic relationship with at some point in their life
|
every king needs a queen »
Every man needs a woman to be with for the rest of his life.
|
Every rose has it's thorns »
everything, even if it seems perfect, has faults
|
every time »
Used to express a strong preference for something.
|
execution style »
Resembling an execution; with the victim aware, but unable to defend himself or resist.
|
f** it »
An expression of great indifference or nonchalance.
|
f** this »
The phrase emphatically diminishes the activity or event referred to and expresses that the speaker will have no more to do with it.
|
faceplant »
Death or defeat in popular multiplayer online games.
|
faith will move mountains »
Belief in oneself (read sometimes as belief in God) can help one overcome any hurdle in life's path.
|
fall in line »
C. 2004, Career Soldiers, "Won't Waste My Life".
|
fall on »
To experience; to suffer; to fall upon.
|
fall upon »
To fall on; to experience; to suffer.
|
falling out »
A disagreement; a major difference of opinion.
|
far be it »
Pewtey in Marriage Guidance Counselor from And Now For Something Completely Different.
|
far cry »
Something very dissimilar or different.
|
far fetched »
improbable
|
fear »
A phobia, a sense of fear induced by something or someone.
|
fear »
A strong, uncontrollable, unpleasant emotion caused by actual or perceived danger or threat.
|
fear »
Extreme veneration or awe, as toward a supreme being or deity.
|
feast for the eyes »
Visually pleasing sight.
|
feast or famine »
A situation in which something is always either extremely abundant or in extremely short supply.
|
feather in one's cap »
An accomplishment; particularly one that is flaunted or boasted of.
|
feather one's nest »
To achieve benefits, especially financial ones, by taking advantage of the opportunities with which one is presented; to amass a comfortable amount of personal wealth.
|
fed up »
Frustrated, annoyed, tired .
|
federal case »
Any over-exaggerated ordeal.
|
feed a cold, starve a fever »
Eating more will cure the common cold, and eating less will cure a fever.1887, J. H. Whelan, "The Treatment of Colds.", The Practitioner, vol. 38, pg. 180:"Feed a cold, starve a fever." There is a deal of wisdom in the first part of this advice. A person with a catarrh should take an abundance of light nutritious food, and some light wine, but avoid spirits, and above all tobacco.1968, Katinka Loeser, The Archers at Home, publ. Atheneum, New York, pg. 60:I have a cold. 'Feed a cold, starve a fever.' You certainly know that.2009, Shelly Reuben, Tabula Rasa, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, ISBN 015101079X, pg. 60:They say feed a cold, starve a fever, but they don't tell you what to do when you got both, so I figured scrambled eggs, tea, and toast.
|
feed into »
To be a tributary of another river or waterway.
|
feed out of »
To feed from.
|
feed the dragon »
To buy or sell products labeled as "Made in China.".
|
feed the dragon »
To the People's Republic of China.
|
feel around »
To grope.
|
feel for »
To express sympathy for, to sympathise with.
|
feel free »
Don't be ashamed, be my guest.
|
feel one's oats »
To feel energetic or frisky; to behave in a vigorous or bold manner.
|
feel one's oats »
To feel important; to be empowered.
|
feel up »
To grope someone in a sexual manner.
|
feel up to »
To be confident in being able to do something.
|
feel up to »
To have an inclination to do something.
|
feet of clay »
To say that someone, who appears strong or invincible, in fact has a hidden weak point which could cause their fall.
|
fence in »
To enclose with a fence.
|
fence in »
To restrict freedom.
|
fencepost problem »
In computer programming, a problem dealing with how to treat the initial or boundary values of a discrete problem.
|
fend and prove »
To engage in argument.
|
fend away »
To turn something away; to ward off.
|
fend off »
Away; to turn away; to defend against; to repel with force or effort.
|
few and far between »
Rare and scarce.
|
fight off »
To succeed in defeating a challenge, or an attack.
|
fight off »
To resist, particularly an infection or an emotion.
|
film out »
To transfer images or animation from videotape or digital files to a traditional celluloid film print.
|
find one's feet »
To grow in confidence in a new situation as one gains experience.
|
fine feathers make fine birds »
Something that appears beautiful or good is by definition beautiful or good.
|
fine line »
A difference, albeit vague and difficult to discern.
|
fire on all cylinders »
To operate as effectively as possible.
|
fit as a fiddle »
Perfectly fit; in excellent health.
|
five-finger discount »
Theft or pilferage, typically of a small item; shoplifting.
|
flap one's gums »
To speak idly; to talk without effect.
|
flash in the pan »
A transient occurrence with no long-term effect.
|
flat-footed »
Having feet which are flat.
|
flat-footed »
Having the specific physical condition of flat feet.
|
fluff up »
To make a gaffe or blunder.
|
flutter in the dovecote »
I further argued that the principal cause for the political deadlock that persisted for thirty years after the guns fell silent was Israeli intransigence rather than Arab intransigence. The appearance of the first wave of revisionist studies excited a great deal of interest and controversy in the media and more than a flutter in the academic dovecote. — Israel Confronts Its Past.
|
food chain »
The feeding relationships between species in a biotic community.
|
fools rush in where angels fear to tread »
A person who does not plan ahead and think matters through becomes involved in risky or unfavorable situations which prudent people avoid.
|
fresh out of »
Of someone who has recently left one stage of life to begin another.
|
from the bottom of one's heart »
In earnest; sincerely; with one's full feeling.
|
full-fledged »
Having all its feathers; able to fly.
|
funny money »
Bills of any foreign currency or of counterfeit origin.
|
garbage in, garbage out »
(computing, information technology) If input data is not complete, accurate, and timely, then the resulting output is unreliable and of no useful value.1963, Raymond Crowley, "Robot Tax Collector Seeks Indications of 'Fudging'," Times Daily (Alabama, USA), 1 April (retrieved 26 July 2010):Officials explained that the quality of the computer's work depends on the quality of the data fed into it. Neil Hoke, administrative assistant to Stewart, quoted an adage of computer men: "Garbage in, garbage out."2008, Roger K. Lewis, "'In Architectural Design, Brains and Talent Trump the Best Software," Washington Post, 19 July (retrieved 26 July 2010):The old caveat "GIGO"
|
get a room »
A jocular or sarcastic expression commanding a couple to stop displaying affection in public, and to rent a hotel or motel room to continue amorous activities in private.
|
get bent out of shape »
To take offense; to become angry, agitated or upset.
|
get cold feet »
To become nervous or anxious and reconsider a decision about an upcoming event.
|
get in someone's hair »
To hinder someone or interfere with their actions.
|
get it »
To "get what's coming to him/her"; to feel one's wrath; to receive punishment; to receive a retaliation; to receive a beating.
|
get it »
To possess a preferred outlook on a given issue or issues.
|
get off »
To stop touching or interfering with something or someone.
|
get one's back up »
To become angry, defensive, or irritable.
|
get one's feet wet »
To begin gaining experience; To take a risk and try something new.
|
get someone's nose out of joint »
To become angry; to take offense or take exception.
|
give a man a fish »
Shortened form of give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime
|
give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime »
It is more worthwhile to teach someone to do something, than to do something for them.
|
give birth »
To produce new life into the world; to have a baby. Transitive when used with to.
|
give somebody the creeps »
To give someone a feeling of uneasiness or mild fright.
|
go native »
To adopt the lifestyle or outlook of local inhabitants, especially when dwelling in a colonial region; to become less refined under the influence of a less cultured, more primitive, or simpler social environment.
|
go through the mill »
To experience the suffering or discipline necessary to bring one to a certain degree of knowledge or skill, or to a certain mental state.
|
go to sleep »
An expression used to dismiss an extremely foolish statement, or to dismiss somebody that one does not feel like talking to.
|
go to someone's head »
To strongly affect a person, especially to the detriment of their senses or mental faculties.
|
go to the mat »
To continue to struggle or fight until either victorious or defeated.
|
god fearing »
pious
|
golden hello »
A payment offered to an employee as an inducement to join, especially if currently working for a competitor.
|
good fences make good neighbors »
It is better to mind one's own business than get involved with other people's affairs.
|
good old boy »
A male friend or chum, especially a schoolmate; a man with an established network of friends who assist one another in social and business situations; a decent, dependable fellow.
|
grace period »
A length of time during which rules or penalties do not take effect or are withheld.
|
granary »
A fertile, grain-growing region.
|
granary »
A storage facility for grain or sometimes animal feed.
|
grass widower »
A married man whose wife is away.
|
guilt trip »
A feeling of shame or embarrassment, especially if self-indulgent, unwarranted, exaggerated or felt over a significant period of time.
|
guilt trip »
Remarks intended to produce such a feeling.
|
gunshy »
Fearing the consequences of repeating an act, especially after being reprimanded.
|
gut factor »
Feelings about what feels right or wrong, good or bad. An inner persuasion that one may feel convinced is the appropriate decision.
|
gut feeling »
An instinct or intuition; an immediate or basic feeling or reaction without a logical rationale.
|
hair-splitting »
The act of finding exceedingly small differences which are probably neither important nor noticeable to most people.
|
hair-splittingly »
With exceedingly small differences which are probably neither important nor noticeable to most people.
|
hand off »
To pass or transfer something to someone.
|
hand over fist »
Quickly or in great quantity, especially in reference to earning money.
|
hang out one's shingle »
To open an office or business, especially in a profession.
|
hanging offence »
A crime so serious that it is punishable by means of death by hanging.
|
hard cheese »
Expressed to someone suffering misfortune.
|
hard feelings »
Resentment, anger.
|
hard lines »
Expressed to someone suffering misfortune.
|
hard-hearted »
unfeeling
|
harsh one's mellow »
To make someone feel bad emotionally.
|
has-been »
A formerly popular or influential person whose popularity or effectiveness has peaked and is now in decline. Typically said of professionals or celebrities whose primary success is behind them.
|
hatchet man »
A professional killer.
|
have a frog in one's throat »
To feel the need to cough; to have a tickle in one's throat; to have a scratchy or uneven voice.
|
have egg on one's face »
To suffer embarrassment or humiliation; to damage one's reputation.
|
have it made »
To have accomplished all there is to do; to have no further work or difficulty; to have achieved a lifestyle characterized by good fortune and comfort.
|
have the time of one's life »
To enjoy oneself immensely.
|
have the time of one's life »
To enjoy oneself more than ever before.
|
head for the hills »
To go to a safe place; to seek refuge; to flee.
|
head girl »
senior female pupil
|
heebie-jeebies »
A general feeling of anxiety, fear, uneasiness, or nausea.
|
hell hath no fury like a woman scorned »
A woman will make someone suffer if they reject her.
|
hiding to nothing »
A situation in which victory has little or no value, but defeat has a huge cost.
|
hind tit »
An inferior source of food or other resources.
|
his back is up »
He is offended or angry; an expression or idea taken from a cat; that animal, when angry, always raising its back. An allusion also sometimes used to jeer a crooked man.
|
hit someone for six »
Be affected in a devastating way by some unexpected news.
|
hold forth »
To extend or offer, propose.
|
hold one's liquor »
To be resistant to intoxication or to show few signs of intoxication, even after consuming a significant amount of alcohol.
|
hold someone's feet to the fire »
To maintain personal, social, political, or legal pressure on someone in order to induce him or her to comply with one's desires; to hold someone accountable for his or her actions.
|
home is where the heart is »
One's true home is where one feels happiest.
|
home is where you hang your hat »
Rather than feeling nostalgic or sentimental, one should simply accept any place where one happens to reside as one's home.1948, Ruth L. Yorck, "D.P.
|
honesty is the best policy »
Honesty is the most honorable and fulfilling way to live one's life.
|
horse of a different color »
An unrelated or only incidentally related matter with distinctly different significance.
|
horse pucky »
Nonsense; feces.
|
Horsefeathers »
Absolute nonsense; poppycock
|
hospital pass »
A poorly executed pass to a team-mate causing the receiver to present an easy target for a defender, and thus be tackled hard.
|
hot mess »
Refers to a person, thing, or situation in such a state of disarray or disapproval by peers, often in reference to physical appearance, perceived to be disastrously embarrassing, pitiful, or beyond repair.
|
hurt someone's feelings »
To offend or hurt someone.
|
if it's all the same »
If it makes no difference; if nobody minds; if it doesn't bother anyone.
|
in cold blood »
In a ruthless and unfeeling manner; premeditated and deliberate.
|
in one's stockinged feet »
Wearing socks, stockings or other hosiery on one's feet but no shoes.
|
in the fast lane »
In a lifestyle, employment position, or other set of circumstances where the rapid pace is exciting, frantic, or risky.
|
it's all grist to the mill »
Everything referred to in the present context has some sort of use.1999, Simon Blackburn, Think: A Compelling Introduction to Philosophy (Oxford University Press paperback, ISBN 0199690871), ch. 7 section 6: "Kant
|
it's not what you know but who you know »
For success, and especially to obtain employment, one's knowledge and skills are less useful and less important than one's network of personal contacts.1951, G. P. Bush and L. H. Hattery, "Federal Recruitment of Junior Engineers," Science, vol. 114, no. 2966, p. 456:Eighty-four students referred to political influence as a disadvantage of federal employment with such remarks as: "There are too many political connections necessary . . . it's not what you know but who you know
|
jack up »
To raise, increase, or accelerate; often said of prices, fees, or rates. See also jack up the price.
|
jump at the chance »
To immediately accept an offer.
|
jump for joy »
Exalt, [rejoice]], feel elation.
|
jump the queue »
To desire preferential treatment, undue influence; impatient.
|
keep your friends close, and your enemies closer »
One should be on their toes and alert of their surroundings if malicious people are around, to ensure such people can't wreak havoc in one's life.
|
kettle of fish »
A situation which is recognized as different from or as an alternative to some other situation, and which is not necessarily unfavorable.
|
kick off the team »
In sports, to dismiss an athlete from a team, usually for misconduct, poor academic performance or other offenses.
|
kick with the other foot »
To belong to a different religion.
|
kill the fatted calf »
To begin a festive celebration and rejoicing for someone's long-awaited return.
|
kind »
Affectionate, showing benevolence.
|
kindred soul »
Someone with the same feelings or attitudes as oneself; kindred spirit.
|
kindred spirit »
Someone with the same feelings or attitudes as oneself.
|
kiss and make up »
To settle one's differences and forgive.
|
kiss of life »
Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
|
kitchen table software »
Especially in the early years of personal computers, a set of computer programs developed by an entrepreneurial advanced amateur or self-employed professional computer programmer in his or her own home; software developed by a small business using the services of such programmers.
|
knock-on effect »
A secondary, often unintended effect.
|
knock-on effect »
The continued running of an engine after the ignition has been turned off; dieseling.
|
knocked for a six »
to be defeated; outwitted; outfoxed; beaten
|
land on one's feet »
To be lucky, or successful, often in difficult situations.
|
lapsed academic »
A person formerly employed as a professor or researcher in a university or other institution of higher education, especially one who no longer attempts to remain current in his or her former academic field.
|
larger-than-life »
Of greater size or magnitude than is naturally or normally the case.
|
larger-than-life »
Very imposing, renowned, or impressively influential.
|
late bloomer »
A person who lives a child's life comparatively later than their peers.
|
lay down »
To sacrifice, especially in the phrase "to lay down one's life.".
|
lead a charmed life »
To always be lucky and safe from danger.
|
left field »
The defensive position in the outfield to the left.
|
lemon law »
A law dealing with defective items, especially automobiles, and consumers' rights.
|
less is more »
That which is less complicated is often better understood and more appreciated than what is more complicated; simplicity is preferable to complexity; brevity in communication is more effective than verbosity.1855, Robert Browning, "Men and Women":Well, less is more, Lucrezia: I am judged.1954, "'Less Is More'," Time, 14 Jun.:The essence of Mies's architectural philosophy is in his famous and sometimes derided phrase, "Less is more." This means, he says, having "the greatest effect with the least means."2007, Gia Kourlas, "Dance Review: An Ordered World Defined With Soothing Spareness," New York Times, 3 Mar. (retrieved 22 Oct. 2008):The program, which features two premieres
|
lick one's wounds »
To withdraw temporarily while recovering from a defeat.
|
lie back and think of England »
. "think of England" refers to the importance of children.
|
life and limb »
Existence together with bodily faculties.
|
life is like a box of chocolates »
Life is full of surprises, you never know what will happen next.
|
life of Riley »
An ideal life of carefree prosperity and contentment.
|
life of the party »
A person who participates in entertainment events in a very enthusiastic manner and who has a leading role in inspiring others to join in the spirit of festivity.
|
life's a bitch »
An expression of acceptance of misfortune.1950, Joy Davidman, Weeping Bay, page 184:She'd have been willing enough to use them, poor dead little bitch. Life's a bitch. Life's a bad joke.
|
life's not all skittles and beer »
Skittles and Beer refers to the carefree, indulgent bar life; skittles being a British pub game. Thus, life's not all skittles and beer means that not everything is about pleasure.
|
like water off a duck's back »
Without immediate or lasting effects.
|
liquid courage »
Alcohol drunk to induce a feeling of courage in the drinker.
|
little pitchers have big ears »
Small children often overhear more of what is said than adults realize or desire.1844, Charlotte M. Yonge, Abbeychurch, ch. 2:Seeing me listening to something she was saying to Mamma, she turned round upon me with that odious proverb, "Little pitchers have long ears."1939, "Bedtime Bedlam," Time, 17 Apr.:A caution to U. S. parents, but a joy to radio merchandising, is the dread truth that little pitchers have big ears.2002, Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, ISBN 9780743455961, p. 185:I suppose he might say pushed or went woowoo, but took a shit is, I fear, very much in the ballpark (little pitchers have big ears, after all).
|
live in sin »
To cohabit as if man and wife without being married.
|
live it up »
To have a wonderful life; to live fully and have fun.
|
live large »
To have a lavish or overly-extravagant lifestyle.
|
long goodbye »
Nickname for Alzheimer's disease, especially for the final phase of the disease, during which the patient suffers a progressive decline of cognitive and motor skills and gradually loses the ability to recognize and to communicate with family and friends.[1]; nickname for the relationship between a person suffering from Alzheimer's disease and that person's family or friends.
|
long shot »
Something unlikely; something that has little chance of happening or working. The term arose from the accuracy of early ship guns, which were effective only at close range and unlikely to hit the mark at any great distance.
|
long ways, long lies »
Someone who comes back from a far-off country can tell lies without fear of being contradicted.
|
look after »
To watch or protect; to keep safe.
|
look forward to »
To anticipate, expect, or wait for, especially with a feeling of approval or pleasure.
|
love is blind »
A person who is in love can see no faults or imperfections in the person who is loved.
|
lump in one's throat »
A feeling of emotional sadness. On the point of crying.
|
lump to one's throat »
A feeling of emotional sadness. On the point of crying.
|
lump together »
To put different items or groups together and treat them, or think of them as one single group.
|
make a monkey out of »
To cause a person, organization, or action to appear foolish or inferior; to subject someone or something to ridicule..
|
make hay »
To cut grass to turn into hay for animal feed.
|
make it do or do without »
If you don't have a lot of money, extend the life of what you have.
|
make over »
To renovate or to convert to a different use.
|
make over »
To transfer ownership, especially by means of a legal document.
|
man of few words »
A man who doesn't speak much, or speaks only for a short period of time.
|
man of parts »
A man that is talented in multiple areas of life. This includes but is not limited to the area of seduction. He puts very little emphasis on memorized scripts or "peacocking" and instead relies on individualized ways to charm a woman.
|
managerial inbreeding »
Bad management, caused by managers making poor selection choices in recruitment, rewards, and promotions of the staff that report to them, leading to another generation of managers who lack the necessary skill sets to reward and promote the most effective staff.
|
many happy returns »
A greeting, usually for birthdays, in reference to the passing year; Happy birthday!.
|
march to the beat of a different drum »
To do things in one's own way regardless of societal norms and expectations.
|
meet one's maker »
To die or to pass into the afterlife.
|
memory lane »
A set of recollections available to be reviewed, especially accompanied by a feeling of nostalgia.
|
mend fences »
To repair damage to a friendship or relationship after a disagreement or other mishap.
|
mess with »
To interfere.
|
mind one's own business »
To concern oneself only with what is of interest to oneself and not interfere in the affairs of others.
|
mine arse on a bandbox »
An answer to the offer of any thing inadequate to the purpose for which it is proffered, like offering a bandbox for a seat.
|
mix apples and oranges »
To mix two totally different things.
|
mixed bag »
By extension, a group of entities with few characteristics in common; an assortment.
|
mixed blessing »
Something that has both good and bad features.
|
monkey business »
An activity that may be considered illegal, questionable, or a vice, but not felonious.
|
monkey wrench »
A wrench with a smooth adjustable jaw to grip different sizes of nuts.
|
mop the floor with somebody »
To trounce or defeat thoroughly or in a humiliating manner.
|
mother hen »
A female chicken who bears eggs or chicks.
|
much of a muchness »
Of two or more things, having little difference of any significance between them.
|
muscle in »
To interfere, or intrude forcibly.
|
muscle in on »
To interfere with, or intrude on something forcibly.
|
never in a month of Sundays »
Never in a month of Sundays would I have imagined that you'd be this tall in real life!.
|
night person »
A person whose preference or custom is to remain awake and active during the night and the early morning hours, and who usually sleeps during part of the daytime.
|
nighthawk »
A person whose preference or custom is to remain awake and active during the night and the early morning hours.
|
no fear »
certainly not
|
no great shakes »
Unexceptional; not special or noteworthy; not very effective.
|
no nevermind »
No difference.
|
no pressure »
The situation at hand is rife with emotional pressure.
|
no screaming hell »
Something that is not particularly effective or impressive; something that is below expectations.
|
nobody's perfect »
Used when someone's mistakes or flaws are acknowledged, to remind that everyone else makes mistakes and has flaws1995, New York Magazine Vol. 28, No. 5, 30 January 1995, The de-moralization of society (Book Review)Hypocrisy, particularly in sexual matters, is excused on the grounds that hey, nobody's perfect, and at least folks back then felt bad enough to lie.2000, Madonna, Nobody's PerfectI feel so sad. What I did wasn't right. I feel so bad and I must say to you: Sorry, but nobody's perfect. Nobody's perfect. What did you expect? I'm doing my best
|
not on your life »
Absolutely not; under no circumstances.
|
not on your nelly »
Not on your life, an emphatic form of no.
|
nudge nudge wink wink »
A phrase added at the end of the sentence to hint that the speaker is referring to something else, euphemistically.
|
odd and curious »
A way to designate special coins, namely coins that are both odd and imperfect or seriously damaged.
|
odd one out »
Something or someone in a group that is different or exceptional, that does not fit.
|
off one's game »
Performing in any activity below one's usual level; behaving in an irregular, inept, or awkward manner; feeling unwell.
|
off the back foot »
From a defensive position.
|
off the chain »
Free from work or direct supervision. In reference to slave labor, where workers are chained, or to the figurative chain of workers of an assembly line.
|
offer affordances »
To give elbow room or leeway for something to happen.
|
offer one's condolences »
To offer sympathy to someone.
|
old school »
Characteristic of a style, outlook, or method employed in a former era, remembered either as inferior to the current style, or alternately, remembered nostalgically as superior or preferable to the new style, the older denoting something that would be considered out of date or out of fashion to some, but as such, is considered by others as cool and hip.
|
old stick »
A man, chap, fellow, guy.
|
on a shoestring »
On a very tight budget; with few resources or little money.
|
on all fours »
Similar in nature or effect to something else; consistent.
|
on board »
Even when I am on board the plane, I can never feel secure that my luggage is, too.
|
on board »
It's a good idea, but let's see if we can get a few more of the management team on board.
|
on one's feet »
Being stable or capable, especially in a financial or emotional sense.
|
on one's feet »
Being standing up.
|
on one's feet »
Being well again after a bout of illness.
|
on one's soapbox »
Stating or professing one's opinion; attempting to persuade others of something.
|
on opposite sides of the barricades »
Of starkly different, opposite views on an issue.
|
on pins and needles »
Feeling sharp anticipation or anxiety; in a state of suspense.
|
on sufferance »
Unwillingly agreed to or barely tolerated.
|
on the anvil »
Refers to anything in the making, being created, or in production, especially in the metalworking field.
|
on the back foot »
In a defensive posture; off-balance.
|
on the blink »
Functioning erratically, malfunctioning; not working or not working well. Usually refers to a mechanical or electronic device.
|
on the defensive »
Prepared to defend or protect against criticism, attack or aggression.
|
on the fence »
Undecided; wavering in one's opinion.
|
on the level »
A discreet reference to freemasonry.
|
on the ropes »
Leaning against the ropes of the boxing ring, as when exhausted and nearing defeat or collapse.
|
on the square »
A discrete, unassuming reference to freemasonry.
|
on the town »
Casually enjoying the nightlife of a town or city.
|
one fell swoop »
One stroke; one action or event with many results.
|
one or two »
a few
|
one's days are numbered »
Some period of time, such as a term of employment or a lifetime, is coming to an end.
|
one-man band »
An organisation or business that is effectively run by only one person.
|
only fools and horses work »
Philosophy of life that people who do not look for an easy way of earning a living are foolish.
|
ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny »
(biology, social sciences, art, philosophy) The physical, cultural, moral, or intellectual development of each individual passes through stages similar to the developmental stages of that individual's species, society, or civilization.1905, J. A. Harris, "The Importance of Investigations of Seedling Stages," Science, New Series, vol. 22, no. 554, p. 186:With reference to seedling stages the statement that ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny must be made with great reserve.1961, M. E. Wolfgang, "Pioneers in Criminology: Cesare Lombroso (1835-1909)," The Journal of Criminal Law, Criminology, and Police Science, vol. 52, no. 4, p. 367:Haeckel maintained that ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny, and this idea was incorporated by Lombroso into his parallelism between the criminal and the child.2002, B. S. Jackson, "Models in Legal History: The Case of Biblical Law," Journal of Law and Religion, vol. 18, no. 1, p. 11:For even if we accept that "ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny," those responsible for the drafting of ancient legal documents were not children, and are hardly to be endowed with some form of infantile mentality.
|
opposites attract »
people who are completely different make ideal partners.
|
other days, other ways »
People of the past thought and acted differently.
|
out of place »
Amongst all those horsey people I felt quite out of place.
|
out of pocket »
Lacking funds, or suffering a loss.
|
out of sight »
You better stay out of sight for a few days.
|
out of the way »
Improper or offensive.
|
out on the tiles »
I've had a pint of bitter and now I'm feeling better and I'm out on the tiles." Led Zeppelin in their song "Out on the tiles", 1970.
|
over the hill »
Old, past the prime of life.
|
own up »
To acknowledge, confess, or admit guilt. Often used with to.
|
pachyderm »
A member of the obsolete taxonomic group Pachydermata, grouping of thick-skinned, hoofed animals such as the rhinoceros, hippopotamus, elephant, pig and horse.
|
palm off »
To attempt to pass off a counterfeit or inferior product as genuine.
|
parade of horribles »
A parade featuring a progression of people wearing comic and grotesque costumes.
|
pass the buck »
To transfer responsibility or blame from oneself onto another; to absolve oneself of concern for a given matter by claiming to lack authority or jurisdiction.
|
pay for it »
To suffer the consequences of one's actions.
|
pay one's dues »
To outlay money which is owed as a membership fee or price of admission.
|
pay the bills »
To provide enough income to sustain one's lifestyle.
|
peashooter »
Any small or ineffective gun.
|
pelt of the dog »
An immoderate, excessive quantity of alcohol drunk the morning after whilst suffering withdrawal symptoms or a hangover, which goes beyond alleviating the complaint to causing drunkenness; cf. hair of the dog.
|
penny for your thoughts »
Used to inquire into the thoughts and feelings of another, especially when the person appears pensive or conflicted.
|
perfect storm »
A powerful hurricane or other major weather disturbance, especially as produced by a combination of meteorological conditions.
|
perfect storm »
A situation where a calamity is caused by the convergence and amplifying interaction of a number of factors.
|
perp walk »
The intentional public display before news cameras of someone in police custody, especially someone famous or notorious, for the purpose of satisfying public interest, demonstrating the authorities' effectiveness, or shaming the person.
|
pi%C3%A8ce de r%C3%A9sistance »
A masterpiece; the most memorable accomplishment of one’s career or lifetime..
|
pickle »
An affectionate term for a loved one.
|
piece de resistance »
A masterpiece; the most memorable accomplishment of one’s career or lifetime..
|
pig in a poke »
Something whose true value is concealed or unknown, especially something offered for sale.
|
play it safe »
To take a cautious, risk-free approach.
|
play possum »
To dissemble or to feign ignorance; to disguise or conceal something in order to deceive.
|
play possum »
To feign death; to remain quiet and still to escape attention or remain undetected; to lay low.
|
play possum »
To feign sleep, illness, etc.
|
point blank »
The distance between a gun and a target such that it requires minimal effort in aiming it. In particular no allowance needs to be made for the effects of gravity, target movement or wind in aiming the projectile.
|
poison pen »
A usually intentionally rude, spiteful, and/or condescending piece of writing directed at a person, group, lifestyle, way of thought, or other target.
|
practice makes perfect »
If one practices an activity enough, one will eventually master it.
|
prawn cocktail offensive »
A strategy of the Labour Party in winning over important people in the world of finance.
|
pride comes before a fall »
A person who is extremely proud of his or her abilities will often suffer a setback or failure, because he or she tends to be overconfident and to make errors of judgment.
|
prime of life »
The period of one's mature life when one is at a peak of health and performance.
|
prove out »
To demonstrate the feasibility of.
|
pull the plug »
To cease life support.
|
put down for »
To record that someone has offered to help, or contribute something.
|
put down roots »
To feel that one belong in a place.
|
put off »
To offend, repulse, or frighten.
|
put one's feet up »
To relax.
|
put one's foot in it »
To make a mistake in public, or a social blunder, that is embarrassing, or offensive.
|
put oneself in someone's shoes »
To try to look at a situation from a different point of view; as if one were the other person. To empathise.
|
put out »
The statistic of the number of outs a defensive player directly caused.
|
put out feelers »
To explore or watch for; ask around; investigate.
|
put the cat among the pigeons »
Professor Stephen Hawking put the cat among the pigeons last week with his cheery remarks about comet Machholz-2, which some astronomers believe could be heading our way. — The Times, 19 September 1994.
|
put the feedbag on »
To dine; to eat.
|
put up with »
To tolerate, suffer through, or allow, esp. something annoying.
|
rain cheque »
Any postponement, especially of an offer.
|
rat race »
An activity or situation which is congested with participants and which is hectic or tedious, especially in the context of a busy, modern urban lifestyle.
|
read between the lines »
To infer a meaning that is not stated explicitly.
|
real men don't eat quiche »
(aphorism, humorous) The stereotypical man does not do things that are considered effeminate, as to do so would imply they are effeminate.
|
red card »
referee's item
|
rest his soul »
Used parenthetically to mark the referent as being deceased.
|
rivet counter »
A person who has an obsession with the minutae of their particular interest. Anyone preoccupied with small distinguishing features between different items.
|
road to Damascus »
A road to Damascus moment, or change, is an important point in someone's life where a great change, or reversal, of ideas or beliefs occurs.
|
robber baron »
In Europe, an aristocrat who charged exorbitant fees or otherwise exacted money from people who journeyed across land or waterways which he controlled.
|
root cause »
An initiating cause of a chain of events which leads to an outcome or effect of interest.
|
round off »
To change a number into an approximation having fewer significant digits.
|
rub salt in the wound »
To make an injury feel worse.
|
ruffle some feathers »
To disturb; to arouse resentment, anger, or concern.
|
run about »
To be very busy doing many different things.
|
run after »
To make a determined effort to win someone's affections.
|
run around »
To be very busy doing many different things.
|
run on fumes »
By extension, to operate with few resources or little money.
|
run scared »
To try everything to avoid defeat.
|
sacred cow »
Something which cannot be tampered with, or criticized, for fear of public outcry.
|
safe and sound »
Having come to no harm, especially after being exposed to danger.
|
safety pin »
fastener
|
same difference »
It makes no difference; it amounts to the same thing.
|
save someone's bacon »
To save someone's life.
|
seat-of-the-pants »
Done by feel, guess, or trial and error rather than by careful planning, thought or technique.
|
sell »
To agree to transfer goods or provide services in exchange for money.
|
set for life »
Possessing sufficient resources, especially financial, to last a lifetime.
|
set in one's ways »
Driven by habit; inclined or determined to continue according to one's custom or established preferences.
|
shit a brick »
To react strongly or excessively, especially in anger or fear.
|
shit one's pants »
To involuntarily defecate into one's pants or other clothing.
|
shoot oneself in the foot »
To deliberately sabotage an activity in order to avoid obligation, though it causes personal suffering. Origins in first world war trench warfare.
|
shotgun »
A play formation in which the quarterback is a few feet behind the snapper when the ball is hiked, ideally allowing for an easier pass play.
|
shoulder to cry on »
Someone offering emotional support to another in distress.
|
shrug off »
To ignore or disregard; to be indifferent.
|
shuffle »
An instance of walking without lifting one's feet.
|
silver bullet »
A bullet made of silver, usually with reference to the folkloric belief that such bullets are the only weapons which can kill a werewolf.
|
silver bullet »
Any straightforward solution perceived to have great effectiveness or bring miraculous results.
|
silver surfer »
An elderly person who regularly uses the Internet.
|
sing soprano »
To suffer castration or an injury to the testicles.
|
sit on the fence »
To remain neutral on a certain topic, to not have a stance or opinion.
|
sit out »
To lean out to the windward side of a sailboat in order to counterbalance the effects of the wind on the sails.
|
six feet under »
Buried six feet underground; not alive; dead.
|
six of one, half a dozen of the other »
The two alternatives are equivalent or indifferent; it doesn't matter which one we choose.
|
skip rope »
To jump over a rope, both of whose ends are held by the jumper or by two others, while the rope is moved under the jumper's feet in a continual rhythm; to play the game of jump rope or exercise by jumping rope.
|
skirt chaser »
A man with amorous intentions who habitually seeks out female companionship.
|
slippery slope »
A logical argument that follows a chain of events or causes and effects to some conclusion.
|
slow burn »
A gradually increasing feeling of anger or frustration.
|
smack of »
To seem like; to appear or give an impression or feeling of; to arouse suspicion of.
|
smallpox blanket »
An apparently benevolent offering whose real intent is to disrupt, destabilize or weaken.
|
snake oil »
A fraudulent, ineffective potion or nostrum; panacea.
|
snazz up »
To improve appearance or appeal by increasing stylishness or functionality, or by adding other attractive features.
|
sob story »
A sad story told to make others feel sympathy for the teller.
|
soft spot »
A point of vulnerability in a defence.
|
soft spot »
A sentimental fondness or affection.
|
softroader »
. This involves increased ground clearance with tyre, wheel, and suspension tweaks, skid plates and refers to mini SUV or wagons.
|
sow one's wild oats »
To indulge in a period of irresponsible behavior, particularly sexually; Often used in reference to young adults or to the recently divorced.
|
sow one's wild oats »
To spread one's genes around by impregnating many females.
|
spark spread »
The difference between the cost of the fuel required to produce a unit of electricity, and the price of that same unit of electricity.
|
spectator sport »
Something, especially a process or activity, which is a popular object of observation; an activity which a person prefers to watch rather than to participate in.
|
spic and span »
Perfectly clean.
|
spill one's guts »
To confess, or to divulge secrets, typically speaking freely and at length after a change of motive or an incentive.
|
spin a yarn »
To tell or create a story, especially one which is lengthy or far-fetched.
|
spring fever »
A feeling of invigoration and restlessness associated with the arrival of the warm weather and renewal of nature in the spring season.
|
spring fever »
A feeling of laziness or listlessness associated with the arrival of the warm, comfortable weather of the spring season.
|
spring for »
To pay for; to offer money.
|
staircase wit »
Thinking of an idea or course of action too late to use it effectively, or the tendency to do so.
|
stand back »
To maintain a safe distance from a hazard.
|
stand in someone's shoes »
To see from another's point of view; to feel what another feels.
|
stand off »
To prevent any would-be attacker from coming close by adopting an offensive posture.
|
stand on end »
To stand erect, bristle, especially from fear.
|
stand on one's own two feet »
To be independent. To survive without any help.
|
step in front of a moving train »
To sacrifice one's own life for a noble and loyal cause.
|
stew in one's juices »
To be alone and self-absorbed in an uncomfortable state of mind, especially while experiencing the unpleasant effects of one's own actions.
|
stick in someone's craw »
To cause lasting annoyance, irritation, or hard feelings.
|
stick one's nose in »
To be nosy; to meddle or interfere in the affairs of another.
|
stick up for »
To defend or protect.
|
sticker shock »
Disgust, shock, or fright upon learning the price of an item offered for sale.
|
still life »
type of painting
|
stop and smell the roses »
To relax; to take time out and enjoy or appreciate life.
|
strange bedfellows »
An unusual combination or political alliance.
|
stuffed like a turkey »
Engorged from overeating.
|
stuffed shirt »
One who is overly official or officious; somebody in charge but not necessarily in power or effective.
|
success has many fathers, failure is an orphan »
Many will seek credit for success, few will accept responsibility for failure.
|
suck hind tit »
To feed from an inferior source of food.
|
suck off »
To fellate a man until he ejaculates.
|
suffer fools gladly »
To be tolerant of stupidity or incompetence in other people.
|
swallow one's pride »
To set aside one's feelings of pride and adopt a more humble or appropriate stance.
|
sweep someone off their feet »
To seduce someone romantically.
|
sweet hereafter »
Heaven; paradise as enjoyed in the afterlife.
|
swing for the fences »
To act in a way that might generate a very good result, but which also has a large chance of failing.
|
swing for the fences »
To swing at the ball as hard as possible, with the aim of getting a home run, increasing the chance of missing the ball.
|
take a crap »
To defecate.
|
take a dive »
To feign a knockout in order to lose intentionally.
|
take a licking »
To suffer a defeat or a beating.
|
take a shit »
To defecate.
|
take a stand »
To assert an opinion or viewpoint; to defend one's point of view or beliefs.
|
take apart »
To soundly defeat someone, or a team.
|
take away »
To remove something and put it in a different place.
|
take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves »
If you take care of little things one at a time, they can add up to big things.1750, Chesterfield, letter 5 Feb. (1932) IV. 1500:Old Mr. Lowndes, the famous Secretary of the Treasury, ?used to say?Take care of the pence, and the pounds will take care of themselves.1912, G. B. Shaw, Pygmalion ii. 132:Take care of the pence and the pounds will take care of themselves is as true of personal habits as of money.1979, R. Cassilis, Arrow of God, iv. xvii.:Little things, Master Mally. Look after the pennies, Master Mally, and the pounds will look after themselves.1999,
|
take effect »
To become active; to become effective.
|
take exception »
To take offense; to object or protest.
|
take exception to »
Express offense at; to.
|
take in »
To receive into your home for the purpose of processing for a fee.
|
take its toll »
To affect, especially negatively; to damage or degrade; to cause destruction.
|
take the offensive »
To attack instead of defending; to be bold and proactive.
|
take up the cudgel for »
To make a defense for in lieu of another person.
|
talk down »
To speak condescendingly or as though the listener is inferior.
|
talk like an apothecary »
To use hard or gallipot words: from the assumed gravity and affectation of knowledge generally put on by the gentlemen of this profession, who are commonly as superficial in their learning as they are pedantic in their language.
|
tartufo »
Hypocrite; tartuffe.
|
tell apart »
To be able to know the difference between things; to distinguish.
|
that's the way life is »
That is the way things happenCertain things cannot be changed, helped or improved; struggle and objection are pointless.1935, Louis Bromfield, The Man Who Had Everything [1], page 279:That's the way life is, and there's no use trying to go against it.1979, Jay Edward Abrams, A Theology of Christian Counseling: More Than Redemption [2], ISBN 0310511011, page 45:There are no standards, no values; that's the way life is. Learn to accept it and slide with it. Stop fighting it.2002, B. Eugene Ellison, Rings of the Templars, ISBN 059524050X, page 337:Shit happens; that's the way life is. In fact, I want you to take an additional thousand for your efforts.
|
that's the way the cookie crumbles »
That is the way things happen; that's life.
|
the dogs bark, but the caravan goes on »
Life goes on, even if some will try to stop or talk against progress.
|
the fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get »
(vulgar) The sexual satisfactions that one receives from a spouse or romantic partner are not sufficient to compensate for the significant periods of bad faith and unpleasant treatment which such relationships routinely involve.1971, Allen Churchill, The Literary Decade, ISBN 9780135375228:Years later she expressed her disillusionment with sex by saying, "The fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get."1999, Ben Sonnenberg, Lost Property: Memoirs and Confessions of a Bad Boy, ISBN 9781582430454, p. 93:Maitland got drunk at his parties and threw his arm around you and pulled you over to his wife and made you look down her dress, saying, "The trouble with marriage is that the fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get."2008, Joseph Heywood, Blue Wolf In Green Fire, ISBN 9781599213590, p. 63:"I can't believe a little pussy got me into dis mess." "Shit happens," Service said. "Sometimes the fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get."
|
the jig is up »
An expression used to mean "We have been caught out and have no defence", or if spoken to a person who's just been found out as the perpetrator of an offense, it means "You've been discovered.".
|
the long and short of it »
The gist; the essence or substance; the most important or salient features; said of a summary or digest.
|
the more things change, the more they stay the same »
A proverb making the observation that turbulent changes do not affect reality on a deeper level other than to cement the status quo.
|
the other day »
Recently; lately; a few days ago.
|
the pick of the litter »
The absolute best one has to offer.
|
the way to a man's heart is through his stomach »
Cooking for a man is a good way to win his affections.
|
them's the breaks »
(idiomatic) That is the way things happen; that's life.
|
them's the facts »
That's the truth, that's how it is; frequently used in reference to an unfortunate truth.
|
there's no accounting for taste »
When it comes to subjective matters of taste, people have wildly different opinions.Disagreements about matters of taste can't be objectively resolved.
|
there's no place like home »
one feels the most comfortable at home
|
thin-skinned »
Overly sensitive to criticism; quick to take offence; touchy.
|
think one's shit doesn't stink »
To be arrogant or snobbish; to feel superior to others.
|
third degree »
Intensive rough interrogation in order to extract information or a confession.
|
third rate »
inferior
|
throw a sickie »
To take a day off from work, supposedly because of ill health. The illness could be either real or feigned.
|
throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick »
Try the same thing (or similar things) often enough, and, even if the general standard is poor, sometimes one will be successful.2005, Mike Busson (poster on UKScreen forum) Re: Voiceovers!, read at [1] on 02 Nov 06,In terms of places to send your URL or CD's, there's no easy answer. It really is a case of throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick.2005, "forwardone" (administrator posting on the HYIPForum), re: Alertpay phishing email, read at [2] on 02 Nov 06,I also think that sometimes they send out phishing e-mails in the hope that it`ll hit people who do have an account with a particular organization. You know, throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick theory.2006, Rob Manuel, How to be funny, read in Comedy Soup on the BBC website at [3] on 02 Nov 06,Throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick. Be prolific and don't be afraid to make stuff that's rubbish. If you keep trying eventually you'll get there.2006, Rex Pierce, Re: [303rd-Talk] D Day read on 303rd Bomb Group Talk Forum at [4] on 02 Nov 06,Believe the planners worked on the principle of "throw enough mud at the wall, and some of it will stick".If enough (perhaps false or reckless) accusations are made against someone, his reputation will suffer, whether or not this is deserved2006, "money" (poster on eTalk Money), Some thoughts about compact surfing, read at [5] on 02 Nov 06,Word of advice NVUS time to distance yourself from LuukH as quickly as possible and dish some dirt, otherwise well the saying goes - throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick.
|
tiger team »
A specialized group tasked with testing the effectiveness of an organization's ability to protect assets by attempting to circumvent, defeat or otherwise thwart that organization's internal and external security.
|
time heals all wounds »
Negative feelings eventually erode away
|
tip one's hat »
To briefly remove or tap one's hat as a gesture of greeting, deference, or respect.
|
to a fare-thee-well »
To the greatest extent or to completion; to a state of refinement or perfection.
|
to a T »
Precisely; exactly; perfectly; with great attention to detail.
|
to each his own »
Every person is entitled to his or her personal preferences and tastes.
|
tomato tomato »
Uses insignificant pronunciation difference to dismiss a correction to one's adherence to an alternative standard.
|
tone down »
To make a television program, piece of writing, etc. less offensive and so more suitable for a family audience.
|
toss-upness »
The quality of being a toss-up, usually used in reference to a toss-up state in American presidential elections.
|
touch up »
To make slight corrections or adjustments; to fill in or perfect.
|
touchy-feely »
Driven by intuition or emotion, with a connotation of de-emphasis of rational thought or logic.
|
touchy-feely »
Having a fondness for physical contact with other people, especially to an excessive degree.
|
tread lightly »
To proceed carefully; especially, to seek to avoid causing offense.
|
trench mouth »
Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, a severe bacterial infection of the gums, typically characterized by inflammation, bleeding, deep ulceration, necrotized tissue, pain, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, fatigue, and halitosis.
|
trick of the trade »
A shortcut or other quick, or very effective way of doing things, that professional workers learn from experience.
|
turn in one's grave »
To be appalled, offended or disgusted by something, despite being deceased.
|
turn into a pumpkin »
Used to indicate a curfew, or the time by which one must depart.
|
twenty-twenty hindsight »
Perfect understanding of events only after they have happened.
|
two for two »
In baseball, meeting two out of two attempts at-bat. Specifically, it means the batter has reached base safely two out of two times.
|
two left feet »
Exhibiting particular clumsiness, especially at dancing or at soccer.
|
two-second rule »
A rule of thumb for safe driving by which a driver must maintain a two-second distance from the vehicle in front.
|
under the influence »
Drunk; intoxicated; affected by alcohol.
|
under the knife »
Undergoing a surgical procedure.
|
under the weather »
Somewhat intoxicated or suffering from a hangover.
|
university of life »
The real world as a source of instruction, as opposed to a formal education.
|
until hell freezes over »
Forever; One will never in their life get the results that they want, no matter what they're doing involving the situation.
|
variety is the spice of life »
Variety is what makes life interesting
|
vote with one's feet »
To show a lack of support for something by departing or otherwise absenting oneself.
|
vote with one's feet »
To show support for something by going to or otherwise being present somewhere.
|
wait for the other shoe to drop »
To defer action or decision until another matter is finished or resolved.
|
wake up and smell the coffee »
To face reality and stop deluding oneself.
|
wake up on the wrong side of bed »
To feel grumpy, irritable; to be easily annoyed.
|
walk on eggshells »
To be overly careful in dealing with a person or situation because they get angry or offended very easily; to try very hard not to upset someone or something.
|
warm fuzzy »
A good impression; a feeling of comfort or trust.
|
warm the cockles of someone's heart »
To provide happiness, to bring a deeply-felt contentment.
|
warts and all »
Of or pertaining to a description or other depiction which reveals the full range of characteristics of a person or thing, including the shortcomings and imperfections.
|
wash over »
To pass unnoticed so that one is unaffected by it.
|
wash over »
Said of the way an emotion affects one suddenly.
|
waste away »
To lose energy and become weak and feeble.
|
way out of a paper bag »
A minimal level of competence or effectiveness, as used in phrases where one is unable to perform such.
|
wear off »
To diminish in effect.
|
wear out »
To cause to become damaged, useless, or ineffective through continued use, especially hard, heavy, or careless use.
|
wear out »
To deteriorate or become unusable or ineffective due to continued use, exposure, or strain.
|
wee small hours »
He worked into the wee small hours to get everything perfect for the opening day.
|
when Hell freezes over »
Never; not in this lifetime; not a chance.
|
when the shit hits the fan »
A reference to the messy consequences of a secret or private situation becoming public.
|
white-knuckle »
Causing fear, excitement, apprehension, suspense, or nervousness.
|
whitewash »
A lime and water mixture for painting walls and fences bright white.
|
who's 'she', the cat's mother%3F »
A rebuke especially directed towards children for having referred to their mother, or any other woman in the third person, instead of using a properly respectful title or their name when appropriate.
|
whomp on »
To assail with overwhelming force; to defeat decisively.
|
willy nilly »
Without regard for consequences or the will of those affected.
|
wipe somebody's eye »
To defeat; to humiliate.
|
wipe the slate clean »
To forget about previous differences and disagreements, and make a fresh start.
|
worlds apart »
Vastly different.
|
wrong side of the tracks »
. May refer to area where the working class, poor or extremely poor live.
|
you are what you eat »
If you eat well, you will be well; but if you eat badly you will feel bad
|
you've got to crack a few eggs to make an omelette »
In order to achieve something, it is inevitable and necessary that something should be destroyed.
|
your mileage may vary »
It may work differently in your situation, or be different in your experience.
|
your mileage may vary »
To express a possible difference in taste, "this is just my opinion, your opinion may be different".
|
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